This book was equal parts brilliant and addictive. I initially started this for a book club meeting that, I will admit, I begrudgingly missed BUT I dutifully and happily finished the read and boy was I glad I did.

It is, as the title suggests, based on Circe, a minor Titan. It chronicles her journey of growth, her realization of Self and what it means to be a good "person" and live a full/fruitful/productive life. In supporting roles are all of the people -humans/gods/demi gods- (most of whom we met in Mythology class circa 6th grade) that helped or hindered her reach her epiphanies along the way. It was fun seeing the Greek mythological stories I had read as a youth from another, more relatable, perspective.

Many times I was one with Circe's emotions. I felt slighted and worthless when she was dealing with the other gods. I felt all the motherly stressors like paranoia/sleeplessness/devotion/murderous rage towards anyone who wishes to harm them & desperation to foresee and prevent anything that might hurt, maime or kill them... all of this coupled with the myriad of other feelings a first time mother experiences (often all at once). These were her reactions to being a new Mother with Telegonus and man oh man do I remember running through THAT gamut of feels. I felt victorious every time she triumphed. I felt scorned and dejected every time she fell for someone or gave too much of herself only to have it thrown back in her face or go unappreciated... AND... don't even get me started on that rape scene.

All of this empathy and commiseration on my part can only mean 1 thing... literary genius featuring beautiful writing coupled with amazingly rich character development and THAT was worth every second of my detour from my regularly scheduled hike through Mt TBR.

If you like Greek mythology and can see past a cast of character names that are harder to pronounce than the popular Polish folk song: Szła dzieweczka do laseczka, then this is for you!! Don't miss out on this excellent character driven gem that gives Homer a run for his money.